The state of Massachusetts has the power to grant an Executive Clemency pardon and commutation of sentence, which is in the authority of the Governor with the advice of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council and the Advisory Board of Pardons. A Pardon in this state means forgiveness of the applicant’s offenses. To be granted a pardon you must have shown good citizenship. A Commutation means the period of time a person is incarcerated is shortend, however it does not mean they are forgiven for their offenses. To be eligible for a clemency pardon you must wait 10 years for a felony and 5 years for a misdemeanor after conviction. When a pardon is granted, the records are sealed. State officials and employees records may not be sealed. Sealing records does not expunge records.